ASSOCIATE Professor Chua Kian Jon Ernest and his team, comprising Professor Chou Siaw Kiang and Dr Md Raisul Islam from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, were conferred the Best Paper Award at the recent “World Engineers Summit – Applied Energy Symposium and Forum” held in Suntec City, Singapore (18 – 21 July 2017). The third biennial conference showcases the latest research findings and engineering innovations in support of a low carbon future and sustainable development.

Assoc Prof Chua and his team are recognised globally for their research endeavours on membrane and adsorbent dehumidification for air conditioning applications in the tropics. The researchers’ award-winning paper describes the development of a hybrid solution that markedly improves air dehumidification. It comprises the integration of a composite desiccant and a nano-woven membrane for air dehumidification. The solution complements any building space’s needs, where removing moisture from the air via an energy-efficient means is a key concern.

Compared to existing commercial desiccant dehumidifier, the hybrid system requires a lower regenerating temperature, while producing air of very low humidity. The proposed hybrid solution involves the composite desiccant and membrane to work hand-in-hand to achieve enhanced moisture removal efficiency and improved energy efficiency by up to 40% compared to the best grade commercial dehumidifier. This work has been highly impactful in the area of air conditioning in megacities. When widely deployed, this “game-changing” disruptive hybrid dehumidification technology will raise the quality of life of citizens, making cities become distinctive global “green” cities.

July 27, 2017

NUS researchers win the Best Paper Award at the World Engineers Summit on Low Carbon Cities and Urban Energy